EXCLUSIVE: US to grant sanctions waiver for flights between Iran and Iraq's Najaf, source says - Reuters

The United States administration is set to grant a limited waiver to its Iran sanctions program to permit flights between Iran and the Iraqi city of Najaf. This exemption is intended to facilitate the travel of Shi'ite Muslim religious pilgrims between the two nations.

The waiver, issued by the US Treasury Department, will initially allow Iraqi Airways to operate flights for a period of one month. There is a possibility that a more permanent arrangement could follow this initial authorization.

This development follows Iraq’s decision to halt flights to and from Iran on Friday, a move taken to comply with the broader US sanctions regime. The Iraqi government had been in active discussions with the United States regarding exemptions for travel related to medical treatment, education, and religious pilgrimage.

The decision to grant the waiver is aimed at easing pressure on the Iraqi government. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has sought to strengthen ties with Washington while simultaneously maintaining a significant relationship with Iran, a neighbor with deep influence in the region.

The broader US policy of imposing an economic blockade on Iran has forced regional governments to scale back their ties with Tehran. This situation has created the potential for political backlash within states that attempt to balance their diplomatic and economic relationships between the United States and Iran.

Following the announcement of the waiver, Iraqi officials indicated that they expect air travel between Iran and Najaf to resume shortly.